Digital offensive for handball: DHB and adesso are shaping the future

Deutscher Handballbund (DHB)

The digital future of handball: The DHB and adesso are setting new standards

‘Our new website is more than just a modern internet presence. It is the foundation for a digital handball future.’
Thomas Zimmermann, Director of Marketing and Communication, DHB
‘The DHB has shown the courage to break new ground and consistently focus on forward-looking technologies. With this project, we are demonstrating how we can further digitise sport and make it accessible to a broad target group.’
Maurice Sonneveld, Head of the Competence Centre for Sport, adesso

One match - two winners

One match - two winners

The German Handball Federation (DHB) is taking a decisive step into the future with its digital offensive. Together with adesso, a modern, user-friendly website was developed that inspires fans, players and officials alike. The relaunch of DHB.de is a central component of a comprehensive platform strategy that will make handball a better digital experience and optimise the association for the coming years.

Challenges

  • Outdated website that was difficult to navigate and had few interactive elements
  • Lack of a central platform for fans, players and officials
  • Inconsistent digital communication and difficult content management
  • Fragmented online portals without a clear structure or connection
Solutions
  • New web design: clear, intuitive structure with optimised user guidance
  • Technical modernisation: relaunch with Drupal 10 as open-source CMS
  • Platform strategy: development of a unified digital architecture for DHB portals
  • Event calendar and player profiles: new features for better networking of the handball community
  • Automated content processes: easy maintenance and administration for editorial teams
Results & benefits
  • Better fan experience: information, events and services more easily accessible
  • More efficient communication: unified content strategy for the entire association
  • Technologically future-proof: scalable infrastructure for future developments
  • Improved brand presence: DHB.de as the central point of contact for handball in Germany

German Brand Awards 2025

Award for modern website for the DHB

The German Handball Federation (DHB) has been awarded a Winner Award in the category ‘Brand Communication – Web & Mobile’ for its modern website relaunch. The new website impresses with its clear structure, mobile optimisation and target group-oriented design. adesso's Sports business line supported the project with technical and specialist expertise and worked with the DHB to create a platform that better connects fans, clubs and partners.

Find out more in our press release

The German Handball Association (DHB) is the umbrella organisation of handball in Germany. With over 760,000 members, active in around 4,000 clubs and some 22,000 teams, the DHB is the world's largest handball association. It was founded on 1 October 1949 in Mülheim an der Ruhr. The DHB is based in Dortmund. The association's strategy ‘Perspective 2030 – The Decade of Handball’ aims to further strengthen the relevance of handball in Germany. After the U21 World Cup 2023 and the EHF EURO 2024 for men, the DHB will host further international championships in the coming years. These include the Women's World Cup in 2025 together with the Netherlands, the Men's World Cup in 2027 as sole organiser, the Men's World Cup in 2029 as France's junior partner, and in 2032 as the central host of the Men's and Women's European Championships.

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